Nintendo denies Miyamoto retirement reports

It's a ‘misunderstanding', Nintendo has claimed, as the company's share price fell two per cent on news that Shigeru Miyamoto is to retire from his chief development role.

The claim came directly from Miyamoto himself in an interview with Wired.

"Video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto's role at Nintendo is not changing," a Nintendo spokesperson told MCV. "He will continue to be a driving force in Nintendo's development efforts.

"In discussing his priorities at Nintendo in a media interview, Mr Miyamoto explained how he is encouraging the younger developers at the company to take more initiative and responsibility for developing software. He attempted to convey his priorities moving forward, inclusive of overseeing all video game development and ensuring the quality of all products.

"Mr Miyamoto also discussed his desire to pursue fresh ideas and experiences of the kind that sparked his initial interest in video games."

Nintendo's speedy response comes as news outlets have already begun to speculate what could have been the catalyst for Miyamoto's supposed change of roles.

The widespread perception that 3DS has flopped – despite evidence to the contrary – seems to be the main thrust of many authors.

Nintendo expert and author Dan Sloan believes that now might be an opportune moment for Nintendo to start thinking of some internal changes.

"Whether the report is true or not, speculation has been growing that Nintendo needs a next generation to take the mantle held by Miyamoto and Iwata over the past decade," he stated.